Any alcohol is too much according to many experts. Just about everybody agrees with that, but a recent study indicates that binge drinking among young women and the likelihood of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are increasing.
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome released a report showing that binge drinking in women aged 18 to 44 has increased by 13 percent since 1999.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking for this research was defined as women having more than five drinks on one occasion. Women who binge-drink are at increased risk for unintended pregnancy and at increased risk for drinking while they are pregnant.
How Serious Is the Problem?
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome estimates that 40,000 babies are born with FAS each year in the United States. That's about one out of every 100 live births. This doesn't mean that the mothers-to-be drink heavily every day. It doesn't take constant drinking to cause FAS. Even occasional binging or heavy drinking can result in FAS.
One in eight American women surveyed said they drank some quantity of alcohol during pregnancy. Three percent (one in 33) admitted to binge drinking when pregnant.
There is still good news overall: Most women do not binge or drink heavily during pregnancy.
What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a group of problems in children born to mothers who drank alcohol during their pregnancy. These babies are generally born underweight, may have delayed development leading to mental retardation, and suffer from emotional/behavioral problems. There is no cure. FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation in children.
Why the Increase?
In this age of mass information, it is unlikely young women have not heard of the risks and dangers of binge drinking. So why is it on the rise? Like so many behavioral patterns, no one knows for sure.
Experts have a lot of ideas and theories, but hard data is lacking. Some studies on college campuses have found that drinking among young women is linked to feelings of independence. Or, it that alcohol is seen as a relatively inexpensive form of entertainment. But after a few drinks, decision making is impaired.
Advertising aimed at women, happy hours, girl's night out, and other marketing strategies are increasingly focusing on women instead of the advertiser's traditional male-focus.
The Bottom Line
Don't. Don't drink if you are pregnant. Don't binge drink anytime. If drinking is a problem, get help. Help is available just about anywhere. Check with your doctor, a 12-step program, a counselor, or your spiritual leader. |
